yep, I had a 'tacky' poem as well And quite proud of it.
DH & I had our own house, our own furniture, plenty of vases, we really did not want anything else. As it was, for our engagement presents, we had 3 different couples by us the exact same plate set
We ended up with $10k in cash from guests. We didn't expect our guests to give money, some didn't, but they gave a card which was lovely. We have no idea who gave what amount, we didn't keep track of things like that.
If you really want to do what you want to do, then buy a gift. But remember it's not your wedding, it's theirs. So respect their wishes as well.